Object Name: Jolly Face Mask
Place of Origin: Sierra Leone
Cultural Group: Temne peoples
Materials Used: Wood, pigment, fabric, wire, Mylar, braid, down, cord, thread
Date: early 1980’s
Dimensions: L: 68.6 cm, H: 91.5 cm, D: 55.8 cm (L: 27.0 in, H: 36.0 in, D: 21.9 in)
Credit line and Accession Number: Fowler Museum at UCLA. Anonymous Gift. X86.2966

olly (pronounced in a manner similar to the French joli) masquerade societies developed in Freetown in the middle of the twentieth century as an amalgamation of these varied traditions. They continue to be composed of young men who perform – primarly at Christmas, New Year’s celebrations, and occasions such as weddings – in exchange for funds.

Source: Drewal, Henry John. (2008) “Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diasporas”, Los Angeles, UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History. page 73